Support of pediatric patients

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a method and nutritional composition for providing nutrition to pediatric patients. The methods of the present invention are especially directed to pediatric patients recovering from moderate trauma, burns or surgery. Pursuant to the present invention, the enteral composition includes a rapidly emptying, low gastric reflux protein source comprising approximately 10% to 14% of the total calories, a carbohydrate source and a lipid source comprising a mixture of medium and long chain triglycerides, wherein at least 20% of the lipid source are medium chain triglycerides.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/549,559, filed Oct. 27, 1995 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,635,199.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the treatment and nutritional support of patients. More specifically, the present invention relates to providing nutrition to pediatric patients.

The measurement of diet adequacy in patients, especially pediatric patients, is difficult. Increases in a child's weight and length only grossly reflect nutritional progress. The daily requirements for adequate nutrition are especially significant for the growing child compared with the adult. The relative need for protein, vitamins and minerals remains constant and is greater than that of adults. Moreover, requirements for various vitamins depend on the intake of calories, protein, fat, carbohydrate and specific amino acids.

While the nutritional needs of the pediatric patient differ from adult patients, in health care settings, adult nutritional formulas are the primary form of elemental nutrition currently being used for children. Naturally, adult formulas do no take into effect the known nutritional needs of the pediatric patient. These adult enteral nutritional products must be diluted to decrease concentrations of, for example, protein, sodium, chloride and the renal solute load levels recommended for children. This dilution reduces the concentrations of other needed nutrients that are often already in concentrations too low for children (i.e. calcium and phosphorous). Thus, providing a nutritional formula designed specifically for children would be advantageous.

A whole protein enteral formula sold under the trademark PEDIASURE® is currently available from Ross Laboratories for nutritional therapy of pediatric patients. PEDIASURE® contains 12% protein, 44% carbohydrates, and 44% fat. The whole protein formula has a protein composition of 82% casein and 18% whey.

Although PEDIASURE® is formulated for children, it is designed to provide nutrition for a limited population, namely 1 to 6 years old. As a result thereof, while PEDIASURE® may meet the National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council (NAS-NRC) Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) for children 1 to 6 years old in 1000 calories, it requires 1300 calories to meet the RDA of children ages 7 to 10 years.

Therefore, a need exists for a nutritional formula designed to meet the nutritional needs of a larger base of pediatric patients as well as pediatric patients recovering from trauma, post-surgical as well as from moderate traumatic injuries and burns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a nutritional composition designed for pediatric patients. Additionally, the present invention provides a method for providing nutrition to a pediatric patient. The present invention also provides a method for providing nutrition to a pediatric patient requiring nutritional support as a result of trauma, burns, post-surgery, cerebral and the like.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides an enteral composition designed for pediatric patients. The enteral composition includes: a protein source comprising approximately 10% to 14% of the total calories; a carbohydrate source; and a lipid source comprising a mixture of medium and long chain triglycerides, wherein at least 25% of the lipid source are medium chain triglycerides.

In an embodiment, the protein source comprises casein, and whey, and in a most preferred embodiment comprises about 50% casein and 50% whey to improve the rate of gastric emptying and reduce the incidence of gastric reflux as compared to diets containing only casein or predominantly casein. The protein should also provide a rich source of cysteine and preferably contains about 0.15% of calories as cysteine (about 350 mg/1000 calories).

In an embodiment, the carbohydrate source is either maltodextrin, e.g., corn starch and sucrose. The carbohydrate source comprises approximately 40% to 60% of the total calories of the composition.

In an embodiment, the lipid source comprises approximately 30% to 40% of the total calories of the composition.

In an embodiment, long chain triglycerides of the lipid source are selected from the group consisting of soy oil, canola oil, residual milk fat, and soy lecithin.

In an embodiment, the composition further comprises an omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio of approximately 4:1 to 6:1.

Still further, in an embodiment, the composition includes at least 100% of the NAS-NRC RDA for children of all vitamins and minerals in 100 kcals.

The present invention also provides a method for providing nutrition to a pediatric patient. The method comprises the step of administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising: a protein source comprising approximately 10% to 14% of the total calories; a carbohydrate source; and a lipid source comprising a mixture of medium and long chain triglycerides. The lipid source includes an omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio of approximately 4:1 to 6:1 and medium chain triglycerides comprise at least 25% of the lipid source.

Still further, the present invention provides a method for providing nutrition to a pediatric patient with moderate needs for tissue repair recovering from trauma, burns or surgery or suffering from cerebral palsy. The method comprises the step of administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of an enteral composition comprising: a cysteine-rich protein source; a carbohydrate source; and a lipid source. The protein source comprises approximately 10% to 14% of the total calories of the composition. The lipid source comprises a mixture of medium and long chain triglycerides. The medium chain triglycerides make up at least 25% of the lipid source.

An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a nutritional composition that is ready-to-use, nutritionally complete, and contains proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and vitamins and minerals in proportions appropriate for children ages 1-10 years.

Moreover, an advantage of the present invention is that it provides a nutritional diet for tube and oral use designed for optimal tolerance and absorption in children ages 1-10 years.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a composition including a protein source in a percentage that is adequate to support growth and moderate needs for tissue repair without imposing an undue nitrogen burden on renal function.

Furthermore, an advantage of the present invention is that it provides a composition utilizing hydrolyzed whey protein, medium chain triglycerides and maltodextrin to enhance absorption and reduce intolerance.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it includes beta-carotene, thereby allowing for the maintenance of plasma beta-carotene concentration in the pediatric patient.

Still another advantage of the present invention is that it possesses appropriate amounts of electrolytes including sodium, potassium and chloride without imposing an undesirable renal solute burden on kidney function.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Nutritional support of hospitalized children requires prevention, recognition, and treatment of the nutritional depletion that may occur with illness. The goals of nutritional support include stabilizing metabolic state, maintaining body mass, and/or facilitating growth and promoting tissue repair in the presence of disease and/or trauma.

While nutritional deficiency diseases are unusual in our culture today, other disease states exist that alter intake, absorption or metabolism. As set forth above, certain health conditions can impair the nutrient absorption and/or reduce gastrointestinal tolerance for diets which are based on whole proteins, long-chain fatty acids and/or complex carbohydrates.

The inventors believe that the enteral diet of the present invention when administered to pediatric patients actively undergoing tissue repair and healing will provide adequate nutritional support to such patients. Specifically, the inventors believe that the use of the composition of the present invention containing specific protein, carbohydrate and fat sources as well as a source of vitamins and minerals provides an effective nutritional support for pediatric patients.

The protein source of the present invention provides approximately 10% to 14% of the total calories of the composition. In an embodiment, the protein source comprises approximately 12% of the total calories of the composition. This protein concentration chosen is adequate to support growth and moderate needs for tissue repair without imposing an undue nitrogen burden on renal function for children ages 1-10 years.

The protein source comprises a mixture of casein and whey proteins. The whey protein may be present in whole or in hydrolyzed forms. In an embodiment, the protein source comprises about 50% casein and about 50% whey protein. In an embodiment, the hydrolyzed protein source is hydrolyzed whey. The protein source of the present composition reduces the incidence of gastric reflux because gastric emptying is faster than with diets containing casein or predominantly casein. Also, whey protein serves as a rich source of the amino acid cysteine. Cysteine is a limiting amino acid for the formation of glutathione, and glutathione needs may be higher in children with infectious or inflammatory conditions. In an embodiment, the composition of the present invention contains approximately 0.15% of calories as cysteine (approximately 350 mg per 1000 calories).

Carbohydrates provide approximately 40% to 60% of the caloric content of the composition. In an embodiment, the carbohydrate source is approximately 51% of the caloric content of the composition. A number of carbohydrates can be used including maltodextrin, hydrolyzed corn starch and/or sucrose.

The lipid source includes a mixture of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) and long chain triglycerides (LCT). The lipid source of the present invention is approximately 30% to about 40% of the caloric content of the composition. In an embodiment, the lipid source of is approximately 37% of the caloric content of the composition. The lipid profile is designed to meet essential fatty acid needs (omega-3 and omega-6), and in an embodiment comprises about 12.6% of essential fatty acids based on total calories.

The lipid source includes at least 20-30% of medium chain triglycerides. In an embodiment, MCTs make up at least 25% of the lipid source.

Suitable sources of long chain triglycerides are canola oil, soy oil, residual milk fat, and soy lecithin.

The lipid profile containing such long chain triglycerides is designed to have a polyunsaturated fatty acid omega-6 (n-6) to omega-3 (n-3) ratio of approximately 4:1 to 6:1. In an embodiment, the n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratio is approximately 5:1. Both the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are provided in sufficient quantity to meet tissue growth maintenance needs. To this end, in an embodiment, the source of omega-6 fatty acids is present in a range of approximately 4-12% of the total calories. The omega-3 fatty acid source is preferably present in the range of approximately 0.8-3.0% of the total calories. In addition to the absorption/tolerance benefits of a moderate LCT content, the composition of the present invention is less likely to be immunosuppressive due to the low percentage of omega-6 fatty acids.

By way of example, and not limitation, an example of a fatty acid lipid profile that may be used in the composition of the present invention is as follows:

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         Lipid Component For Pediatric                                                  Nutritional Composition (42.0 grams/liter)                                     COMPONENT       % of Lipids                                                                              Grams/Liter                                          ______________________________________                                         C6:0            0.6       0.3                                                  C8:0            14.0      5.9                                                  C10:0           6.7       2.8                                                  C12:0           0.3       0.1                                                  C14:0           0.4       0.2                                                  C16:0           6.4       2.7                                                  C18:0           2.2       0.9                                                  C20:0           0.5       0.2                                                  TOTAL SAT       31.1      13.1                                                 C16:1           0.4       0.2                                                  C18:1           24.1      10.1                                                 C20:1           0.3       0.1                                                  TOTAL MONO      24.8      10.4                                                 C18:2 n6        27.8      11.7                                                 C18:3 n3        5.7       2.35                                                 TOTAL POLY      33.5      14.05                                                TOTAL FA'S      89.4      37.55                                                NON-FA'S        10.6      4.45                                                 TOTAL ALL       100.0     42.0                                                 ______________________________________                                          P/S Ratio = 1.1; (Saturated includes MCT)                                      N6 = 27.8% of fat (22.7 g/L) 10.5% of total calories                           N3 = 5.7% of fat (2.35 g/L) 2.1% of total calories                             N3 to N6 Ratio - 5.0:1                                                   

    ______________________________________                                         FAT SOURCE     % BY WT  % TOTAL KCAL                                           ______________________________________                                         MCT            25%      8.7&                                                   CANOLA         24%      9.1%                                                   SOY            43%      16.2%                                                  MILK*           3%      1.1%                                                   SOY LECITHIN    5%      1.9%                                                   TOTAL =        100%     37.0                                                   ______________________________________                                          *Residual milk fat (with the casein and whey protein) contributes to the       total lipid content                                                      

Still further, the present invention, in an embodiment, includes a specialized vitamin and mineral profile. The composition includes a source of vitamins and minerals providing at least 100% of the NAS-NRC Recommended Daily Allowance for children. The vitamin and mineral requirements are met in 1000 kcal per day because this intake is practical, achievable and easily tolerated by children ages 1-10 years, even though it is somewhat less than healthy children normally eat. Unlike prior compositions, the composition of the present invention meets NAS-NRC RDAs for children ages 1-10 years in 1000 calories. The high vitamin and mineral concentration of the present invention is of practical benefit because typical feeding regimens (e.g. 50 mL/hour for 20 hours/day) will meet all needs. However, none of the vitamin or mineral concentrations are so high that there is any risk of approaching toxic levels, even at 2000-2500 kcal per day.

In an embodiment, the composition of the present invention includes a source of beta-carotene. The inventors view beta-carotene, formerly considered only as a precursor to vitamin A, as an important nutrient with anti-oxidant properties. In an embodiment, the composition includes approximately 0.5-2.0 mg of beta-carotene per 1000 calories. This amount of beta-carotene is sufficient to maintain plasma beta-carotene concentration in the pediatric patient.

The composition of the present invention, in an embodiment, includes certain electrolyte concentrations. The electrolyte concentrations are set to meet needs without providing an undue renal solute burden on kidney function. To this end, sodium is preferably present in a range of approximately 420-500 mg/L. In an embodiment, potassium and chloride are present at ranges of approximately 1260-1380 mg/L and 1040-1120 mg/L, respectively. The renal solute load is, in an embodiment, present in a range of approximately 200-210 Mosm. In a preferred embodiment, the electrolyte concentrations of the present invention are as follows: sodium is present at 460 mg/L; potassium is present at 1320 mg/L; chloride is present at 1080 mg/L; and the renal solute load is at 205 Mosm.

The composition of the present invention is a ready-to-use enteral formulation. The composition can be used as a supplement or for total enteral nutritional support. The composition can be tube-fed to a patient, or fed by having the patient drink same. Preferably, the caloric density of the composition is 1.0 kcal/ml. Various flavorants, fibers and other additives may also be present in the compositions of this invention.

The composition of the present invention can be used for providing nutrition to a pediatric patient ages 1 to 10 years. Likewise, the composition can be used for providing nutrition to a pediatric patient recovering from surgery, burns or trauma. The diet utilizes a significant amount of whey protein, medium chain triglycerides and maltodextrin to enhance absorption and reduce intolerance.

By way of example, and not limitation, suitable compositions in accordance with this invention and that may be used pursuant to the present invention are as follows:

EXAMPLES 1-2

In accordance with this invention, new and improved pediatric enteral nutritional compositions comprise the following ingredients: protein: casein and whey; carbohydrate: maltodextrin and sucrose; lipid: canola oil, soy oil, coconut oil (MCT), residual milk fat, soy lecithin; water; vitamin A (retinol); beta-carotene; vitamin D, vitamin E; vitamin K; vitamin C; thiamine B₁ ; riboflavin B₂ ; niacin; vitamin B₆ ; folic acid; pantoth acid; vitamin B₁₂ ; biotin; choline; taurine; L-carnitine; inositol; calcium; phosphorus; magnesium; zinc; iron; copper; manganese; iodine; sodium; potassium; chloride; chromium; molybdenum; and selenium. Example 1 shows the composition which does not contain added dietary fiber. Example 2 shows the composition and contains fiber.

The composition of the present invention has the following nutrient composition (per 1000 calories):

                                      TABLE 2                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Pediatric Enteral Nutritional Compositions                                     COMPOSITION                                                                    (Per Liter)            UNITS  EXAMPLE 1                                                                             EXAMPLE 2                                 __________________________________________________________________________     Cal. Density           Kcal/ml                                                                               1.0    1.0                                       Cals./Can              Calories                                                                              250    250                                       PROTEIN                G/L (% Kcal)                                                                          30.0 (12%)                                                                            30.0 (12%)                                Casein                        50%    50%                                       Whey                          50%    50%                                       CARBOHYDRATE           G/L (% Kcal)                                                                          127.5 (51%)                                                                           127.5 (51%)                               Maltodextrin                  66%    66%                                       Sucrose                       34%    34%                                       FIBER                  G/L    0.5    6.0                                       LACTOSE CONTENT        G/L    1.5    1.5                                       "Lactose Free".sup.1          Yes    Yes                                       FAT                    G/L (% Kcal)                                                                          42.0 (37%)                                                                            42.0 (37%)                                % by weight                                                                    Soy oil                       43%    25%                                       MCT                           25%    25%                                       Canola oil                    24%    24%                                       Soy Lecithin                  5%     5%                                        Residual milk fat             3%     3%                                        G/L & (% of Total Kcal)                                                        MCT                           10.5 (8.7%)                                                                           10.5 (8.7%)                               Linolenic (N6)                11.7 (10.5%)                                                                          11.7 (10.5%)                              Linoleic (N3)                 2.35 (2.1%)                                                                           2.35 (2.1%)                               N6:N3 ratio                   5.0:1  5.0:1                                     OSMOLALITY             MOSM   350    350                                       RENAL SOLUTE LOAD      MOSM/L 205    205                                       MCT:LCT RATIO                 25:75  25:75                                     VOLUME TO MEET OR EXCEED NAS-NRC RDA                                                                         1.0 L  1.0 L                                     DENSITY                G/ML   1.057  1.060                                     WATER                  ML/L   850 (85%)                                                                             840 (84%)                                 VISCOSITY              CP                                                      CAL/gN                 Ratio  210:1  210:1                                     NPC/gN                 Ratio  185:1  185:1                                     __________________________________________________________________________      .sup.1 "Lactose Free" defined as <0.5 grams per serving.                 

EXAMPLES 3-4

The new and improved pediatric nutritional compositions may be provided in storage stable, ready to use, liquid form in cans or in retort processes screw-off topped containers. Examples 3-4 show the formulations for 250 mL cans and one liter containers with respect to NAS-NRC recommended dietary allowances for children 7-10 years of age as follows:

                                      TABLE 3                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Pediatric Nutritional Formulations                                             in 250 mL and 1 L Containers                                                   NUTRITION        AMOUNT per    AMOUNT                                                                              % NAS-                                     COMPOSITION                                                                            UNITS                                                                              NAS-RC*                                                                             250 mL can                                                                            % NAS-NRC                                                                             per Liter                                                                           NRC                                        __________________________________________________________________________     Calories                                                                               KCAL                                                                               --   250    **     1000 **                                         Protein G   28.0 7.5    27     30.0 107                                        Carbohydrate                                                                           G   --   31.9   **     127.5                                                                               **                                         Fat***  G   --   10.5   **     42.0 **                                         Water   ML  --   212    **     850  **                                         Vitamin A****                                                                          I.U.                                                                               2330 600    26     2400 103                                        Beta-Carotene                                                                          MG  **   0.25   **     1.0  **                                         Vitamin D                                                                              I.U.                                                                               400  140    35     560  140                                        Vitamin E                                                                              I.U.                                                                               7    7      100    28   400                                        Vitamin K                                                                              MCG **   7.5    **     30   **                                         Vitamin C                                                                              MG  45   25     55     100  220                                        Thiamine B.sub.1                                                                       MG  1.0  0.6    60     2.4  240                                        Riboflavin B.sub.2                                                                     MG  1.2  0.5    42     2.0  167                                        Niacin  MG  13   5      38     20   154                                        Vitamin B.sub.6                                                                        MG  1.4  0.6    43     2.4  171                                        Folic Acid                                                                             MCG 100  100    100    400  400                                        Pantoth. Acid                                                                          MG  **   2.5    **     10   **                                         Vitamin B.sub.12                                                                       MCG 1.4  1.5    107    6    428                                        Biotin  MCG **   75     **     300  **                                         Choline MG  **   75     **     300  **                                         Taurine MG  **   20     **     80   **                                         L-Carnitine                                                                            MG  **   10     **     40   **                                         Inositol                                                                               MG  **   20     **     80   **                                         Calcium MG  800  250    31     1000 125                                        Phosphorus                                                                             MG  800  200    25     800  100                                        Magnesium                                                                              MG  170  50     29     200  118                                        Zinc    MG  10   3.8    38     15   150                                        Iron    MG  10   3.5    35     14   140                                        Copper  MG  **   0.25   **     1.0  **                                         Manganese                                                                              MG  **   0.4    **     1.5  **                                         Iodine  MCG 120  30     25     120  100                                        Sodium  MG  **   115    **     460  **                                         Potassium                                                                              MG  **   330    **     1320 **                                         Chloride                                                                               MG  **   270    **     1080 **                                         Chromium                                                                               MCG **   7.5    **     30   **                                         Molybdenum                                                                             MCG **   7.5    **     30   **                                         Selenium                                                                               MCG 30   7.5    25     30   100                                        __________________________________________________________________________      *NAS-NRC recommended dietary allowances for children 7-10 years of age         ** NASNRC RDA not established                                            

EXAMPLE 5

Another pediatric nutritional composition of the present invention is shown in the following Example 5. Table 4 shows a comparison of the composition of Example 5 with the NAS-NRC RDAs and with a prior pediatric formulation, PEDIASURE® available from Ross Laboratories, as follows:

                                      TABLE 4                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Comparison of Compositions of This                                             Invention (Example 5) with PEDIASURE ®                                     and NAS-NRC RDAs (Per 1000 Calories)                                                                     NAS-NRC RDAs                                         NUTRIENT COMPOSITION                                                                        UNITS                                                                               PEDIASURE ®                                                                        1-3 Yrs                                                                            4-6 Yrs                                                                            7-10 Yrs                                                                            Example 5                               __________________________________________________________________________     CAL DENSITY  Kcal/mL                                                                             1.0     **  **  **   1.0                                     PROTEIN      G (%)                                                                               30.0 (12%)                                                                             16  24  28   30.0 (12%)                              Casein            82%                  50%                                     Whey              18%                  50%                                     CARBOHYDRATE G (%)                                                                               109.7 (44%)                                                                            **  **  **   127.5 (51%)                             FAT          G (%)                                                                               49.7 (44%)                                                                             **  **  **   42.0 (37%)                              Safflower Oil     50%                  --                                      Canola Oil        --                   24%                                     Soy Oil           30%                  43%                                     MCT               20%                  25%                                     Residual Milk Fat --                   3%                                      Soy Lecithin      5%                   5%                                      N6:N3 Ratio       9:1                  5:1                                     FIBER        G    5.0     **  **  **   6.0 or 0.0                              WATER        ML   844     **  **  **   840 or 850                              VITAMIN A (RETINOL)                                                                         IU   2570    1325                                                                               1665                                                                               2330 2400                                    BETA-CAROTENE                                                                               MG   0       **  **  **   1.0                                     VITAMIN D    IU   510     400 400 400  560                                     VITAMIN E    IU   23      6   7   7    28                                      VITAMIN K    MCG  38      **  **  **   30                                      VITAMIN C    MG   100     40  45  45   100                                     THIAMINE B.sub.1                                                                            MG   2.7     0.7 0.9 1.0  2.4                                     RIBOFLAVIN B.sub.2                                                                          MG   2.1     0.8 1.1 1.2  2.0                                     NIACIN       MG   17      9   12  13   20                                      VITAMIN B.sub.6                                                                             MG   2.6     1.0 1.1 1.4  2.4                                     FOLIC ACID   MCG  370     50  75  100  400                                     PANTOTH. ACID                                                                               MG   10      **  **  **   10                                      VITAMIN B.sub.12                                                                            MCG  6       0.7 1.0 1.4  6                                       BIOTIN       MCG  320     **  **  **   300                                     CHOLINE      MG   300     **  **  **   300                                     TAURINE      MG   72      **  **  **   80                                      L-CARNITINE  MG   17      **  **  **   40                                      INOSITOL     MG   80      **  **  **   80                                      CALCIUM      MG   970     800 800 800  1000                                    PHOSPHORUS   MG   800     800 800 800  800                                     Ca:P         Weight                                                                              1.21:1  1.00:1                                                                             1.00:1                                                                             1.00:1                                                                              1.25:1                                  MAGNESIUM    MG   200     80  120 170  200                                     ZINC         MG   12      10  10  10   15                                      IRON         MG   14      10  10  10   14                                      COPPER       MG   1.0     **  **  **   1.0                                     MANGANESE    MG   2.5     **  **  **   1.5                                     IODINE       MCG  97      70  90  120  120                                     SODIUM       MG   380     **  **  **   460                                     POTASSIUM    MG   1310    **  **  **   1320                                    CHLORIDE     MG   1010    **  **  **   1080                                    Na:K         Molar                                                                               0.49:1  **  **  **   0.59:1                                  (Na + K)/C   Molar                                                                               1.75    **  **  **   1.71                                    chromium     mcg  30      **  **  **   30                                      MOLYBDENUM   MCG  36      **  **  **   30                                      SELENIUM     MCG  23      20  20  30   30                                      __________________________________________________________________________

It will be understood that various modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims. 

We claim:
 1. An enteral composition designed for pediatric patients comprising:a protein source comprising at least one component chosen from the group consisting of casein and whey, the protein source comprises approximately 10% to 14% of the total calories providing relatively rapid gastric emptying and reduced gastric reflux; at least 100% of the NAS-NRC RDA of all vitamins and minerals in 1000 calories: a carbohydrate source; and a lipid source comprising a mixture of medium and long chain triglycerides, wherein at least 20% of the lipid source are medium chain triglycerides.
 2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the protein component comprises about 50% casein and about 50% intact or hydrolyzed whey.
 3. The composition of claim 1 further comprising a source of beta-carotene.
 4. The composition of claim 1 wherein the carbohydrate component is sucrose and maltodextrin or corn starch.
 5. The composition of claim 1 wherein the long chain triglycerides are selected from the group consisting of soy oil, canola oil, residual milk fat, and soy lecithin.
 6. The composition of claim 1 further comprising an omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio of approximately 4:1 to 6:1.
 7. The composition of claim 1 further comprising omega-6 fatty acids present in an amount of approximately 10.5% of total calories and omega-3 fatty acids present in an amount of about 2.1% of total calories.
 8. A method for providing nutrition to a pediatric patient comprising the step of administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising:a protein source comprising approximately 10% to 14% of the total calories; a carbohydrate source comprising at least 40% of the total calories; and a lipid source comprising at least 30% of the total calories including a mixture of medium and long chain triglycerides, wherein at least 20% of the lipid source are medium chain triglycerides.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the protein source comprises casein and intact or hydrolyzed whey.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein the lipid component comprises approximately 37% of the total calories.
 11. The method of claim 8 further comprising a source of beta-carotene.
 12. The method of claim 8 further comprising at least 100% of the NAS-NRC RDA of all vitamins and minerals in 1000 calories.
 13. The method of claim 8 further comprising omega-6 fatty acids present in an amount of approximately 10.5% of the total calories and omega-3 fatty acids present in an amount of approximately 2.1% of the total calories.
 14. A method for providing nutrition to a pediatric patient recovering from moderate trauma, burns or surgery comprising the step of administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising:a protein source comprising at least one protein source chosen from the group consisting of casein and whey and comprises approximately 10% to 14% of the total calories; a carbohydrate source comprising at least 40% of the total calories; and a lipid source comprising at least 30% of the total calories including a mixture of medium and long chain triglycerides, wherein at least 20% of the lipid source are medium chain triglycerides.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the protein source comprises about 50% casein and about 50% intact or hydrolyzed whey.
 16. The method of claim 14 further comprising an omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio of approximately 4:1 to 6:1.
 17. The method of claim 14 further comprising a source of beta-carotene.
 18. The method of claim 14 further comprising at least 100% of the NAS-NRC RDA of all vitamins and minerals in calories.
 19. The method of claim 14 further comprising omega-6 fatty acids present in an amount of approximately 10.5% of the total calories and omega-3 fatty acids present in an amount of approximately 2.1% of the total calories.
 20. An enteral composition designed for pediatric patients comprising:a protein source comprising hydrolyzed whey protein, the protein source providing approximately 10% to about 14% of total calories, relatively rapid gastric emptying and reduced gastric reflux; a carbohydrate source providing at least 40% of total calories; a lipid source providing at least 30% of total calories, the lipid source comprising a mixture of medium and long chain triglycerides and having an omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio of about 4:1 to about 6: 1, wherein at least 20% by weight of the lipid source are medium chain triglycerides; and at least 100% of the NAS-NRC RDA of all vitamins and minerals in 1000 calories.
 21. The composition of claim 20 further comprising a source of beta-carotene.
 22. The composition of claim 20 wherein the carbohydrate source is selected from the group consisting of sucrose, maltodextrin, and corn starch.
 23. The composition of claim 20 wherein the long chain triglycerides are selected from the group consisting of soy oil, canola oil, residual milk fat, and soy lecithin.
 24. A method for providing nutrition to a pediatric patient comprising the step of administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising:a protein source comprising hydrolyzed whey protein, the protein source providing approximately 10% to about 14% of total calories, relatively rapid gastric emptying and reduced gastric reflux; a carbohydrate source providing at least 40% of total calories; a lipid source providing at least 30% of total calories, the lipid source comprising a mixture of medium and long chain triglycerides and having an omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio of about 4:1 to about 6:1, wherein at least 20% by weight of the lipid source are medium chain triglycerides; and at least 100% of the NAS-NRC RDA of all vitamins and minerals in 1000 calories.
 25. The method of claim 24 wherein the composition includes a source of beta-carotene.
 26. The method of claim 24 wherein the carbohydrate source is selected from the group consisting of sucrose, maltodextrin, and corn starch.
 27. The method of claim 24 wherein the long chain triglycerides are selected from the group consisting of soy oil, canola oil, residual milk fat, and soy lecithin. 